How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When choosing a pest control company, there are several things that you can consider to be sure you choose the right one for you. You might take into consideration a company's qualifications and treatment methods, in addition to its years of experience and customer reviews. Of course, there is also the cost of services to consider.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
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Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, licensing is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) in Texas need to be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies also have the option to obtain additional certifications like the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is granted once a company has shown that its treatment methods are more environmentally friendly and demonstrated that it also holds itself up to certain other standards, such as up-to-date employee training. A company can also earn other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further back up its methods and practices.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. While not mandatory, membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help verify a company's reputability. After joining an organization like the NPMA, a company receives access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals with whom to discuss best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The number of years that a company has been in business can give you some insight into its experience dealing with the pests that live in Austin. Online reviews or the company's own website can also enlighten you as to whether it has the skills and experience needed to deal with your particular pests. If you can't find the information you need online, calling a representative is a great way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's reputation using the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and social media or local review sites. You can also check with Texas' licensing board to verify the status of a company's license.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is an important consideration when picking a pest control company. Cost may be determined by your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Certain pest control companies offer a free on-site estimate to help you figure out if it fits into your budget. You can also check to see if it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your choice of pest control provider might be influenced by how environmentally-friendly a company's practices are, in addition to how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
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Safety
Be sure to ask your pest control provider if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides--if not, ask about what precautionary measures will be in place. Any pesticide that presents above a minimum risk must be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should supply information about all pesticides to be used, as well as how safe they are around people and pets.
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Treatment Methods
You can ask if your technician will begin with more natural and lower-toxicity options before moving on to harsher chemicals.
Many companies are using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to eliminate pests while reducing personal and environmental risks. The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control as needed.
